After a while the patient began to ask the other man what he was doing there, and he answered that he was dead.  Then they began to question each other as to how they had died, and both explained in full.  Later, some people who had been instructed what to do came and brought the second man his supper, whereupon he sat up in his coffin and ate a hearty meal, saying to the other, “Aren’t you going to eat pretty soon?” The sick man pondered over this, and asked if it was proper for a dead man to eat, and was answered that if he did not eat soon, he could not stay dead very long.  He therefore allowed himself to be persuaded first to eat with the other man, subsequently to sleep, get up, dress,—­in fact, in all matters copy the other, until finally he came to life and regained his senses.

I could give innumerable other examples of such odd illusions.  That is just what has happened in this case to make his gracious lordship think that he is a poor peasant.  But if my lord will get the notion out of his head, he will speedily be himself again.

Jeppe.  But can it be only illusion?

First doctor.  Certainly; my lord has heard from these stories what illusions can do.

Jeppe.  Am I not Jeppe of the Hill?

First doctor.  Certainly not.

Jeppe.  Isn’t that wicked Nille my wife?

First doctor.  By no means, for my lord is a widower.

Jeppe.  Is it pure illusion that she has a switch called Master Eric?

First doctor.  Pure illusion.

Jeppe.  Isn’t it true either that I was to go to town yesterday and buy soap?

First doctor.  No.

Jeppe.  Nor that I drank up the money at Jacob Shoemaker’s?

Valet.  Why, your lordship was with us out hunting all day yesterday.

Jeppe.  Nor that I am a cuckold?

Valet.  Why, her ladyship has been dead for years.

Jeppe.  I’m beginning to realize my own stupidity.  I won’t think about the peasant any more; I see that it was a dream that led me into my delusion.  It certainly is wonderful how men get such ideas.

Valet.  Does my lord wish to walk in the garden for a time while we make ready his breakfast?

Jeppe.  Very well; but hurry up, for I am both hungry and thirsty.

ACT III

SCENE I

(Jeppe comes in from the garden with his suite.  A small table is set.)

Jeppe.  Ah, ha!  I see that the table is all set.

Valet.  Yes, everything is ready when his lordship wishes to be seated.

(Jeppe sits down.  The others stand behind his chair and laugh at his bad manners when he sticks all five fingers in the dish, belches, and blows his nose with his fingers and wipes them on his clothes.)